Defendants in Crow corruption case avoid prison

BILLINGS (AP) — The remaining defendants in a corruption scheme on Montana's Crow Indian Reservation have avoided prison, after a judge rejected the prosecution's claims of significant financial damages.

Former Crow historic preservation director Dale Old Horn, his son, Allen, and Shawn Talking Eagle Danforth were convicted of theft, fraud and other charges.

The case stemmed from cultural monitoring work they did for the tribe and private companies.

Prosecutors asserted the defendants gouged companies out of roughly $500,000.

But U.S. District Judge Susan Watters said Wednesday the defendants engaged in a more modest "double-dipping scheme" that cost the tribe less than $50,000.

Watters sentenced the Old Horns to seven days in prison with credit for time served, four months home detention and three years supervised release. Danforth received 5 years probation.